SF Giants reunite with popular outfielder Andres Torres

The Giants just announced a one-year, $2 million deal with Andres Torres, the center fielder for most of their 2010 championship run. Torres needs to take a physical before the contract is sealed.

At first glance Torres and Gregor Blanco seem somewhat redundant, though Torres is a switch-hitter and could start in left field against left-handed pitchers. Torres also provides late-inning speed off the bench and the Giants have never been opposed to a little competition to push some of their less-experienced players.

Torres was very popular among fans and teammates during his first go-around in San Francisco. The Giants traded him and reliever Ramon Ramirez to the Mets a year ago for Angel Pagan. The Mets nontendered Torres after he hit .230 in 374 at-bats last year. So, ultimately, the Giants got Pagan and Torres for Ramirez plus a one-year “loan” of Torres to the Mets.

Torres, who turns 35 next month, did hit .286/.382/.381 in 171 plate appearances against lefties last year.

I’m not sure if the Giants still want a fully right-handed platoon-mate for Blanco or if they might expand the payroll and got a bigger-impact outfielder.